Orange and Airtel consider deal for assets in Africa

Orange and Airtel have entered into an exclusive agreement to explore the possible acquisition by Orange of Airtel’s subsidiaries in Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville and Sierra Leone.

In a published statement the operators said “There is no certainty of any binding agreement as a result of these discussions.”

The talks are an apt reflection of the respective company’s contemplation of conducting business in Africa, with Airtel having been looking at a potential exit from the continent, and Orange stating the strategic importance of Africa to its ongoing operations.